Second baseman Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws late as Cory Spangenberg (not pictured) of the San Diego Padres is safe at first base in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammate Yasiel Puig #66 after hitting a three run home run against the San Diego Padres’ in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

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Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammate Yasiel Puig #66 after hitting a three run home run against the San Diego Padres’ in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jacob Nix #63 of the San Diego Padres is pulled from the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers spanish broadcaster Jamie Jarrin became the 12th inductee into the team’s Ring of Honor and the second broadcaster behind Hall of Fame and former Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully this past week during a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manny Machado of the Los Angeles Dodgers points to the sky after hitting a three run home run against the San Diego Padres’ in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manny Machado of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammate Justin Turner after hitting a three run home run against the San Diego Padres’ in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manny Machado of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a three run home run against the San Diego Padres’ in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manny Machado of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a three run home run against the San Diego Padres’ in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Hitting coach Mark McGwire #25 of the San Diego Padres looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Catcher Yasmani Grandal #9 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out Jacob Nix #63 of the San Diego Padres after a sac bunt moves the runner to second base in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Third baseman Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out Freddy Galvis (not pictured) of the San Diego Padres in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers singles against the San Diego Padres in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers doubles against the San Diego Padres in the third dinning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers doubles against the San Diego Padres in the third dinning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Second baseman Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws late as Cory Spangenberg (not pictured) of the San Diego Padres is safe at first base in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Second baseman Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws late as Cory Spangenberg (not pictured) of the San Diego Padres is safe at first base in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Starting pitcher Jacob Nix #63 of the San Diego Padres throws to the plate Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt #40 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on against the San Diego Padres in the first inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

San Diego Padres’ rookies make their way to the bullpen prior to a Major League Baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Starting pitcher Rich Hill #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the San Diego Padres in the first inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

in the xxx inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers high fives teammates Yasiel Puig #66 and Manny Machado #8 after hitting a lead off solo home rum against the San Diego Padres in the first inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers high fives teammates Yasiel Puig #66 and Manny Machado #8 and Kemp after hitting a lead off solo home rum against the San Diego Padres in the first inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates Hall of Fame and former manger of the Los Angeles Dodgers Tommy Lasorda 91st birthday in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt #40 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt #40 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Dodgers visiting clubhouse attendant Mitch Poole prior to a Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers during batting practice prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers during batting practice prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers during batting practice prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes infield practice prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for pictures prior to a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt #40 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, left, along with Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to a Major League Baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two run RBI double against the San Diego Padres in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two run RBI double against the San Diego Padres in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manny Machado of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a three run home run against the San Diego Padres’ in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manny Machado of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds third base after hitting a three run home run against the San Diego Padres’ in the third inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept.. 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Manny Machado’s 3-run shot, delivered just after Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley had come to the mound to deliver a tip to starter Jacob Nix, made it 6-0 in the third inning and reduced most of the rest of the night to stat-padding.

But then the Padres put together a run and a bases-loaded situation that necessitated the presence of Kenley Jansen, who swiftly turned off the burner.

Joc Pederson also homered on Nix’s second pitch of the game. When it was over the Dodgers had scored at least six runs for the seventh time in 13 games.

Just as encouraging was a simple base hit to left-field by Chris Taylor that began that decisive third inning.

Taylor had suffered through August. He hit .185 for the month with 33 strikeouts in 81 at-bats, and only four runs batted in.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who are right where they need to be,” Dave Roberts said.

And Yasmani Grandal’s majestic home run into the loge level, near the left-field pole, was the Dodgers’ 222nd of the season. That breaks a one-year-old franchise record.

“We have some guys who know how to work the count and get themselves in good situations,” Roberts said. “But we also have a good 2-strike approach. When you can do both, that’s what you need against those Ones and Twos.”

He’s referring to the starting pitchers the Dodgers would face in the postseason, provided they hang on to this one-and-a-half game lead they hold over Colorado.

Taylor would be just another welcome club in the bag.

“I made a couple of adjustments, right before the last road trip,” Taylor said. “I tried to eliminate some of the head movement, keep my head back and not dive forward, and I moved my hands a little bit lower. I’m trying to stay in the middle of the field and not do too much.

“I’ve made so many adjustments this year. With these, I think they started working pretty fast. But, really, you make an adjustment every other day up here. I’d make a few changes, and I’d feel good the next game, and then it wouldn’t be there the next game. You just grind through it. Right now I feel like I’m more consistent than I’ve been all season.”

The Dodgers head into their final seven games in a state of optimistic wariness, or wary optimism. After they finish this series with San Diego Sunday, they have three games at Arizona, and the Diamondbacks are in full sputter.

On August 30 they won the first game of a four-game series in Dodger Stadium. They led by a game and a half. They lost the next three on late home runs, then have lost 13 of 18 since then, including Saturday night against Colorado.

The Dodgers then finish up with three in San Francisco. At the moment Madison Bumgarner is scheduled to pitch Wednesday and will miss the Dodgers altogether.

Colorado plays four at home against Philadelphia, which was eliminated from the N.L. East race Saturday and are practically doomed in the wild-card. The Rockies’ last series is at home against Washington. They apparently will face neither the Phillies’ Aaron Nola nor the Nationals’ Max Scherzer, both Cy Young Award contenders.

Odds are that the Dodgers will resume ownership of the West, but the final check still has to clear.